Auburn was chosen Monday to host first- and second-round games in the NCAA Soccer Championships.
The Tigers (11-8-2) were Southeastern Conference West Division co-champions but were eliminated by Tennessee in the first round of the league Tournament.
But a difficult schedule and a strong finish to the regular season earned an at-large bid.
The Tigers will play Atlantic Sun champion Belmont (13-6-3) in the first round Friday at 5 p.m. at the Auburn Soccer Complex. Florida State (14-2-3), an at-large selection from the Atlantic Coast Conference, will play SWAC champion Mississippi Valley State (9-10) at 7:30. The winners will play Sunday.
"We were excited to see our name come up on the board, and we are just thrilled to have the opportunity to play at home this weekend," Auburn coach Karen Hoppa said. "It's a great opportunity for our girls, especially our seniors, to play at home again. It's an even better opportunity for Auburn University to host the first and second rounds of the NCAA Tournament."
Auburn will play in the NCAA Tournament for the seventh time in the past eight seasons.
"Belmont is going to be a very difficult team to play," Hoppa said. "They lost to Vanderbilt 1-0 in double-overtime and they defend extremely well and are very well-coached. This is a tough draw. but we are certainly excited that it is at home."
All-SEC goalkeeper Allison Whitworth said she was just hoping the Tigers got a bid. When it came, there was a bonus.
"I am very excited about playing at home," Whitworth said. "It was completely unexpected and quite a surprise to all of us. To be at home and to be able to prepare like normal, going to class and not having to travel, all those things that can cause extra stress will not be there. We will be able to completely focus on our game on Friday night."
